Man accused of hiding gun near scene of deadly downtown Cape Girardeau shooting

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — A man is accused of picking up and concealing a firearm near the scene of a reported shooting early Sunday morning in Jackson, according to a probable cause statement.

Herman Gene Jackson III is accused of tampering with physical evidence in connection with the Sept. 27 incident.

According to the probable cause statement, officers were called to a report of shots fired around 2:01 a.m.

An officer who arrived at the scene reported seeing a large group of people surrounding an injured person. The officer said Jackson walked across the street and picked up a firearm from the ground near an area where another person had reportedly run for cover.

Investigators allege Jackson then concealed the firearm in the front of his waistband.

According to the statement, an officer pointed a department-issued firearm at Jackson and ordered him to place his hands on his head. The officer then seized the firearm and secured it inside a patrol vehicle.

The officer reported seeing what appeared to be blood on the firearm’s handle and the bottom of an extended magazine.

The firearm was identified in court documents as a Glock 22 loaded with 22 .40-caliber rounds, including one round in the chamber.

Jackson is accused of tampering with physical evidence.

The charge is an allegation. Jackson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.